A swarm that has left usually clusters nearby and waits for a time. During that period it can be collected.

Why it is calm

Before leaving, the bees fill themselves with honey. A full bee is slower and stings less readily.

A swarm is therefore usually notably calm — though full protection remains sensible.

How long it stays

The cluster is a staging point. Scouts are meanwhile searching for a permanent nest site.

How long it hangs depends on how quickly that site is found: sometimes hours, sometimes a day or more. Anyone intending to collect should not wait.

Collecting

• Place a box or hive beneath the cluster
• Shake the branch firmly and in one movement; most will fall in
• If the queen is inside, the remaining bees will follow
• Leave the box a while so stragglers can join
• Close it towards evening and move it

If the bees are on a wall or post, sweeping with a soft brush works.

Hiving

• A hive with foundation is enough; the bees build quickly
• Feed if there is no flow
• Reduce the entrance
• Do not open the hive immediately

The unknown

A collected swarm is of unknown origin, which carries risks:

• Disease: It may carry American foulbrood
• Varroa: The mites from the parent colony come with it
• Genetics: Temper and swarming tendency are unknown

Keep it apart until it is clear it is healthy.

The opportunity not to miss

A newly collected swarm has no brood. All the mites are on the bees.

This is one of the most favourable moments for a contact treatment that exists. It should be done before the first comb is drawn.

The queen

A prime swarm carries the old queen; an afterswarm a young, unmated one. With an afterswarm, mating still has to happen.

The parent colony

In the colony the swarm left, surplus queen cells are removed; otherwise afterswarms follow and that colony is lost too.